WO2019031465A1 - Ultrasonic endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of coaxial wires each having one end connected to an ultrasonic vibrator, a plurality of connection substrates connected to the other ends of the respective coaxial wires, a sheath that bundles the plurality of coaxial wires, and an ultrasonic substrate that is electrically connected to an external connector and that has a plurality of connector parts which removably accommodate portions of the respective connection substrates, wherein a portion of each of the connection substrates extending from the corresponding connector part is bent, the plurality of coaxial wires are divided into a plurality of coaxial wire groups each including coaxial wires connected to the same connector part, and the plurality of coaxial wire groups are each spirally wound such that an end portion closer to the connection substrate of each coaxial wire is exposed with a length corresponding to the location of the connector part to which the end portion is to be connected, and that the exposed portion is accommodated in a region formed by an outer edge of the ultrasonic substrate.

Description

Ultrasound endoscope

The present invention relates to an ultrasound endoscope.

Conventionally, an ultrasound endoscope system is used for diagnosis of a living tissue or the like in the body to which ultrasound has been applied. The ultrasonic endoscope system is connected to an ultrasonic endoscope provided with an ultrasonic transducer having a plurality of piezoelectric elements at the distal end of the insertion portion, and to the ultrasonic endoscope through a cable, so that ultrasonic vibration is generated. And a processing device for processing the ultrasonic echo acquired by the child to generate information (ultrasound image) based on the ultrasonic echo, and displaying the ultrasonic image on a display unit or the like (for example, Patent Document 1) See). The operator makes a diagnosis based on the ultrasound image displayed on the display device.

The above-described cable is electrically connected to one end of the plurality of coaxial wires inserted into the insertion portion. Each coaxial line is electrically connected to one of the plurality of piezoelectric elements described above at the other end. In Patent Document 1, a cable and a coaxial line are electrically connected via a connector of an ultrasonic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as an ultrasonic connector). The ultrasonic connector has an ultrasonic substrate connected to a plurality of coaxial lines, and a shield case covering the substrate. The coaxial line and the ultrasonic substrate are electrically connected by erecting a connection substrate connected to the end of the coaxial line to a connector portion provided on the ultrasonic substrate. In Patent Document 1, the connection substrate is formed by soldering the extension substrate to the main substrate to which the coaxial line is connected, and the main substrate and the coaxial line are electrically conducted via the extension substrate.

JP 2000-139927 A

By the way, it is desired to miniaturize an ultrasound endoscope from the viewpoint of handleability. Under the present circumstances, size reduction is calculated | required also in the connector mentioned above.

The present invention is made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic endoscope which can miniaturize an ultrasonic connector connected to an external cable.

In order to solve the problems described above and to achieve the object, an ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention has an ultrasonic transducer at a tip end, and the inside of an ultrasound where the tip is inserted into a subject A plurality of coaxial lines each having one end connected to the ultrasonic transducer, a plurality of connection substrates respectively connected to the other ends of the plurality of coaxial lines, and an outer shell for bundling the plurality of coaxial lines. An ultrasonic substrate electrically connected to an external connector, the ultrasonic substrate having a plurality of connector portions for detachably receiving a part of the connection substrate, the connection substrate being the connector portion A portion extending from the end is bent, and the plurality of coaxial lines are divided into a plurality of coaxial line groups consisting of coaxial lines connected to the same connector portion, and the plurality of coaxial line groups are each of the coaxial lines The end on the connection board side corresponds to the position of the connector part to be connected. Exposed length, characterized in that it is wound spirally as the exposed portion is within eggplant region of the outer edge of the ultrasonic board.

In the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, in the above invention, the plurality of connector portions form two rows facing each other, and the coaxial line groups connected to the facing connector portions have lengths of exposed portions. Are the same as one another.

In the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, the plurality of connection substrates are arranged in the column direction in order from the connection substrate having a short length of the exposed portion of the coaxial line group connected to each connection substrate. It is characterized in that it is attached to a part.

The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further comprises an electrical connection member which supports the ground connection portion provided on the outer skin and which is electrically connected to an external ground.

The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further comprises a pressing member for pressing the outer cover against the electric connection member.

The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further comprises a cover member which has optical transparency and covers at least a part of the coaxial line located in the space on the ultrasonic substrate. Do.

In the above-mentioned invention, the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized by further comprising a conductive shield case covering the cover member.

In the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, each of the plurality of coaxial lines extends on the same plane from a bent portion of the connection substrate.

The ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the ultrasonic endoscope further comprises a restraining member for restraining the coaxial lines in each coaxial line group.

According to the present invention, it is possible to miniaturize an ultrasonic connector connected to an external cable.

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope connector shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front upper left side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic connector removed from the endoscope connector shown in FIG. 2 and viewed from the inside of the external housing. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe connected to the FPC connector shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a flexible substrate connected to the FPC connector shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a winding mode of the coaxial line on the ultrasonic substrate shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic view for explaining the winding method of the coaxial wire on the ultrasonic substrate. FIG. 10 is a schematic view for explaining the winding method of the coaxial wire on the ultrasonic substrate. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the ultrasonic connector of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main part of the ultrasonic connector of the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a part of a tip of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a tip configuration of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a side view showing a configuration in which a part of a tip of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic transducer provided at the tip of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a line BB in FIG. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging optical system of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “embodiment”) will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. An endoscope system 1 shown in the figure is a system for performing ultrasound diagnosis in a subject such as a person using an ultrasound endoscope. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, an ultrasonic observation device 3, an endoscope observation device 4, and a display device 5.

The endoscope 2 has a part insertable into the subject, transmits an ultrasonic pulse toward a body wall in the subject, and receives an echo echo reflected by the subject to receive an echo signal. It is an ultrasound endoscope having a function of outputting and a function of imaging the inside of a subject and outputting an image signal. The detailed configuration of the endoscope 2 will be described later.

The ultrasound observation apparatus 3 is electrically connected to the endoscope 2 via the ultrasound cable 31 and outputs a pulse signal to the endoscope 2 via the ultrasound cable 31 and an echo signal from the endoscope 2 Enter Then, the ultrasonic observation device 3 performs predetermined processing on the echo signal to generate an ultrasonic image.

An endoscope connector 6 to be described later of the endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the endoscope observation device 4. The endoscope observation device 4 includes a video processor 41 and a light source device 42.
The video processor 41 outputs a control signal to the endoscope 2 via the endoscope connector 6 and inputs an image signal from the endoscope 2 via the endoscope connector 6. Then, the video processor 41 performs predetermined processing on the image signal to generate an endoscopic image.
The light source device 42 supplies illumination light for illuminating the inside of the subject to the endoscope 2 through the endoscope connector 6.

The display device 5 is configured using liquid crystal or organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and an ultrasound image generated by the ultrasound observation device 3, an endoscope image generated by the endoscope observation device 4, etc. Display

Subsequently, the configuration of the endoscope 2 will be described. The endoscope 2 includes an insertion unit 21, an operation unit 22, a universal cord 23, and an endoscope connector 6. Although illustration is omitted in the inside of the endoscope 2 (inside of the insertion portion 21, the operation portion 22, the universal cord 23, and the endoscope connector 6), the illumination light supplied from the light source device 42 is Light guide for transmission, US cable 71 for ultrasonic observation (for transmission of pulse signal and echo signal) (see FIG. 6 described later), and imaging for endoscopic observation (for transmission of control signal, image signal, etc.) A cable etc. are drawn around.

The insertion unit 21 is a portion to be inserted into the subject. As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion portion 21 includes a vibrating portion 211 provided at the tip, a hard member 212 connected to the base end side (the operation portion 22 side) of the vibrating portion 211, and a base end of the hard member 212. A bending portion 213 connected to the side and capable of bending, and a flexible tube portion 214 connected to the base end side of the bending portion 213 and having flexibility are provided. Although the specific illustration is omitted in the inside (the rigid member 212, the bending portion 213, and the flexible tube portion 214) of the insertion portion 21, in addition to the light guide and the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) described above An image guide for guiding an optical image in a sample and a treatment instrument tube or the like into which various treatment instruments (for example, a puncture needle or the like) are inserted are drawn around.

The vibrating portion 211 is a radial type ultrasonic transducer in the example shown in FIG. 1 and has a configuration in which a plurality of piezoelectric elements (not shown) are regularly arranged along the circumferential direction. The ultrasonic transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements, an acoustic lens, and a matching layer, and acquires an ultrasonic echo that contributes to an ultrasonic tomographic image inside the body wall inside the subject. Then, the vibration unit 211 converts the pulse signal input from the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 into an ultrasound pulse via the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasound cable 31 described above, and transmits the ultrasound pulse into the subject Do. In addition, the vibration unit 211 converts the ultrasonic echo reflected in the subject into an electrical echo signal, and the ultrasonic observation device 3 is transmitted via the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31. Output to

The hard member 212 is a hard member made of a resin material or a metal material, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. Although the specific illustration is omitted in the rigid member 212, an observation window, an illumination window, a treatment instrument passage, and the like are formed. The observation window, the illumination window, and the treatment tool passage are holes penetrating from the base end (end on the operation unit 22 side) of the rigid member 212 toward the tip, and specifically have the following functions.
The observation window is a hole for acquiring an optical image in the subject. Then, the incident end side of the image guide described above is inserted into the observation window. Further, an objective lens (not shown) is coupled to the incident end of the image guide described above.
The illumination window is a hole for irradiating illumination light into the subject. The emission end side of the light guide described above is inserted into the illumination window.
The treatment instrument passage is a hole for projecting various treatment instruments to the outside. And the treatment tool tube mentioned above is connected to the treatment tool passage.

The operation unit 22 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion unit 21 and is a portion that receives various operations from a doctor or the like. The operation unit 22 includes a bending knob 221 for bending the bending portion 213 and a plurality of operation members 222 for performing various operations.
Further, in the operation unit 22, a treatment tool insertion port 223 is formed in communication with the above-described treatment tool tube and for inserting various treatment tools in the treatment tool tube.
Furthermore, an imaging device (not shown) for outputting an image signal corresponding to an optical image in the subject and an optical image guided by the above-described image guide are formed on the imaging device inside the operation unit 22. An optical system (not shown) is provided. The image signal output from the imaging device is transmitted to the endoscopic observation device 4 (video processor 41) via the imaging cable described above.

The universal cord 23 is a cable that is connected at one end to the operation unit 22 and in which the light guide, the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6), and the imaging cable described above are provided.

Next, the configuration of the endoscope connector 6 will be described. The endoscope connector 6 is provided at the other end of the universal cord 23 and is connected to the ultrasound cable 31 connected to the ultrasound observation apparatus 3 and the endoscope observation apparatus 4 (video processor 41 and light source apparatus 42) Is a connector to In the following, based on the posture when the endoscope connector 6 is connected to the endoscope observation device 4, the upper side in the posture is "upper", the lower side in the posture is "lower", the endoscope When looking at the side close to the observation device 4 as “front”, the side separating from the endoscope observation device 4 as “rear”, the left side when viewed from the front side in that posture as “left”, when viewed from the front side in that posture The right side of is the "right".

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the endoscope connector 6 as viewed from the front upper left side. Further, in FIG. 2, XYZ orthogonal coordinates are illustrated in order to identify the “upper and lower”, “front and rear”, and “left and right” of the endoscope connector 6 described above. Here, the + Z-axis direction is the “upper direction” of the endoscope connector 6. The + X axis direction is the “left direction” of the endoscope connector 6. The + Y axis direction is the “forward direction” of the endoscope connector 6.

The endoscope connector 6 includes an exterior housing 61, a plug portion 62, and an ultrasonic connector 63.

The external housing 61 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) (see FIG. 2). Then, in the external housing 61, the universal cord 23 (the light guide described above, the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6), the imaging cable, and the like) is inserted into the inside through the rear opening. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a fold preventing member 611 is provided on the rear side of the exterior housing 61.

A bulging portion 612 that bulges in the + X axis direction is formed on the side surface of the exterior housing 61 described above. The bulging portion 612 communicates with the inside of the exterior housing 61 and has a hollow shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the bulging portion 612, an opening surface is located in the YZ plane, and an attachment hole 612A that communicates the inside and the outside of the exterior housing 61 is formed. The mounting hole 612A is a hole to which the ultrasonic connector 63 is attached.

The plug portion 62 is a portion that is inserted into the endoscope observation device 4 and connected to the video processor 41 and the light source device 42, and is attached to an opening portion on the front side of the exterior housing 61. The plug portion 62 includes first and second electrical connector portions 621 and 622 and a light guide base 623.

The first electrical connector portion 621 is located on the rearmost side of the plug portion 62 and has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. In the first electric connector portion 621, a plurality of first electric contacts 621A are provided along a circumferential direction on a part of the outer peripheral surface.

The second electrical connector portion 622 is integrally formed on the front side of the first electrical connector portion 621 and has a cylindrical shape having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first electrical connector 621. In the second electrical connector portion 622, a plurality of second electrical contacts 622A are provided along a circumferential direction on a part of the outer circumferential surface.

The plurality of first and second electrical contacts 621A and 622A described above are electrically connected to the imaging cable described above. The plurality of first and second electrical contacts 621A and 622A are electrically connected to the video processor 41 in a state where the plug portion 62 is inserted into the endoscope observation device 4. That is, the plurality of first and second electrical contacts 621A and 622A are portions that electrically connect the imaging cable and the video processor 41 described above.

The light guide mouthpiece 623 is attached to the front end face of the second electrical connector 622 and protrudes in the + Y axis direction from the front end face. Then, the incident end side of the light guide described above is inserted into the light guide base 623. Further, the light guide base 623 is connected to the light source device 42 in a state in which the plug portion 62 is inserted into the endoscope observation device 4. That is, the light guide cap 623 is a portion that optically connects the light guide and the light source device 42 described above.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic connector 63 as viewed from the inside of the outer housing 61 by removing the ultrasonic connector 63 from the endoscope connector 6. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector 63 shown in FIG. For the purpose of explanation, a part of the coaxial line 711 is omitted in FIG. 4, and the flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 are omitted in FIG.

The ultrasonic connector 63 is an electrical connector for electrically connecting the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31 described above. The ultrasonic connector 63 includes an ultrasonic substrate 631, a frame member 632, a spacer 633, an electrical connection member 634, a pressing member 635, and a shield case 636 (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

The ultrasonic substrate 631 has a substantially disc shape, and is a substrate on the surface of which a plurality of FPC connectors 6311 (see FIG. 5), a plurality of pin-like terminals 6312 (see FIG. 5), and the like are mounted. The plurality of (12 in the present embodiment) FPC connectors 6311 are connector portions to which the plurality of flexible substrates 72 (see FIG. 6) in the ultrasonic probe 7 (see FIG. 6) are connected, respectively. The configuration of the ultrasonic probe 7 will be described later.

The twelve FPC connectors 6311 are respectively divided into six on both sides (both left and right sides in FIG. 4) sandwiching the plurality of pin-shaped terminals 6312. In FIG. 5, the six FPC connectors 6311 disposed on the right side and the six FPC connectors 6311 disposed on the left side are disposed in the opposite posture in FIG. .

The plurality of pin-shaped terminals 6312 are arranged in a matrix at a substantially central portion of the ultrasonic substrate 631. The plurality of pin-like terminals 6312 are electrically connected to the ultrasonic probe 7 through the 12 FPC connectors 6311 and the connector of the ultrasonic cable 31 is connected to the ultrasonic connector 63 when the ultrasonic It electrically connects to the sound wave cable 31.

Further, in the ultrasonic substrate 631, although specific illustration is omitted, vent holes penetrating the front and back are formed. Further, a vent cap having a hole communicating with the vent hole is attached to the vent hole. Although not shown in the drawings, a venting waterproof sheet having breathability and waterproofness is provided inside the vent cap so as to close the above-mentioned holes.

The frame member 632 is a cylindrical metal member and is a portion mechanically connected to the connector on the ultrasonic cable 31 side (see FIG. 2 or 3). Then, the frame member 632 supports the ultrasonic substrate 631 at the opening portion on one end side (the inside of the external housing 61).

The spacer 633 is a substantially cylindrical metal member (shield member) covering a part of the outer edge portion of the ultrasonic substrate 631 and is fixed to one end side (inner side of the outer housing 61) of the frame member 632 (FIG. 3) reference).

The electric connection member 634 is formed of a metal member having an L-shaped cross section, and the cross section is in a posture in which the portion 6341 at one end side of the L-shaped cross section faces the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 A portion 6342 at the other end of the L is connected to the frame member 632 (see FIG. 5). The extension end 71B (see FIG. 6) of the above-described US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) is fixed to the portion 6341 on one end side of the L-shaped cross section of the electrical connection member 634. The extension end 71B corresponds to the end of the US cable 71 opposite to the vibrating portion 211 side. At this time, the electrical connection member 634 is fixed to the spacer 633 by the screw 100, and the holding member 635 is fixed by the screw 101 to fix the extension end 71B. In addition, at the extension end 71B, a conductive ground connection portion 71C that contacts the electrical connection member 634 is provided. The ground connection portion 71C is electrically connected to the shield of the US cable 71. The electrical connection member 634 is connected to an external ground via the external housing 61 when assembled to the endoscope 2.

The shield case 636 has a cup shape covering the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (the surface on the inner side of the external housing 61) and the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631. Shield case 636 is formed using a conductive material such as metal, for example. The inside is shielded by a shield case 636. Further, the shield case 636 is formed with a hole 636a for inserting the extending end 71B. The shield case 636 is further covered with a rigid and insulating connector case (not shown). The connector case and the shield case may be integrated into one case.

Next, the configuration of the ultrasonic probe 7 will be described. FIG. 6 is a view showing the ultrasonic probe 7 connected to the FPC connector 6311. As shown in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic probe 7 includes a vibrating portion 211, a US cable 71, and a plurality of flexible substrates 72 (connection substrates).

The US cable 71 is a cable for transmitting a pulse signal or an echo signal between the vibration unit 211 and the ultrasonic observation device 3 as described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in the US cable 71, a plurality of coaxial wires 711 electrically connected to the plurality of ultrasonic transducers in the vibrating portion 211 are bundled by a covering tube 71A which is an outer cover. Have the following configuration. In the US cable 71, the coaxial line 711 is exposed from the extension end 71B opposite to the vibrating portion 211 side. Further, at the extension end 71B, a ground connection portion 71C is formed, which is connected to a ground film provided on the inner peripheral surface of the covering tube 71A and connected to an external ground via the ultrasonic connector 63.

The coaxial wire 711 has a core wire for transmitting a signal, a dielectric covering the core wire, an outer conductor (shield) covering the dielectric, and a sheath covering the outer conductor. As shown in FIG. 6, in the plurality of coaxial lines 711, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of (two in this embodiment) flexible boards 72 are bundled by the binding member 712 as the extension ends. Are attached respectively. That is, the plurality of coaxial lines 711 electrically connect the vibrating portion 211 and the twelve flexible substrates 72. A connecting portion (e.g., an electrode) in which a core is exposed at one end of the plurality of coaxial lines 711 and connected to the flexible substrate 72, and the exposed core is formed on the flexible substrate 72 Connected to In the case of a radial type ultrasonic transducer, 100 or more coaxial lines are provided.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flexible substrate 72 is configured as an L-shaped flat plate from one end 72A to the other end 72B in a free state. The coaxial line 711 of one bundle of the plurality of bundles is electrically connected to one end 72A of the flexible substrate 72. Here, about 5 to 20 coaxial lines are included in one bundle.

Here, twelve coaxial line groups are formed corresponding to the FPC connector 6311 among the plurality of coaxial lines 711. The twelve coaxial line groups are divided into six sets each having the same length of coaxial line 711 extending from extension end 71B. The flexible substrate 72 connected to the end of each coaxial line group has the same length (length of a portion exposed from the covering tube 71A) extending from the extending end 71B for each set of coaxial line groups. It is divided into a set of flexible substrates 72 (substrate sets 721 to 726).

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311 shown in FIG. The other end 72B of the flexible substrate 72 is connected to the FPC connector 6311. For example, although the FPC connector 6311 is arranged in two rows (see FIG. 5), the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311 is one end 72A of the flexible substrate 72 in one row and the flexible substrate 72 in the other row. And one end 72A of each of the two (see FIG. 7). At this time, the same set of flexible substrates 72 face each other, and the flexible substrates 72 in one row and the flexible substrates 72 in the other row are bent in opposite directions.

The number of flexible substrates 72 is equal to or less than the number of FPC connectors 6311. The flexible substrate 72 is attached to a preset position, and when the number of flexible substrates 72 is smaller than the number of FPC connectors 6311, an FPC connector which is vacant is generated.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a winding mode of the coaxial line on the ultrasonic substrate shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the coaxial wire 711 in the space S described above is accommodated in the shield case 636 in a state where a portion exposed from the covering tube 71A is wound in a spiral shape. At this time, the wound coaxial wire 711 is accommodated inside the area formed by the outer edge of the ultrasonic substrate 631. More specifically, the wound coaxial wire 711 fits inside the area of the opening of the shield case 636 (for example, the broken line Q shown in FIG. 8) when the shield case 636 is attached. It is wound around.

Subsequently, a procedure for assembling the ultrasonic connector 63 while connecting to the ultrasonic probe 7 will be described. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are schematic diagrams for explaining the winding method of the coaxial wire on the ultrasonic substrate. The ultrasonic connector 63 first inserts the flexible substrate 72 into the FPC connector 6311. Each flexible substrate 72 is bent along the boundary between one end 72A and the other end 72B. At this time, the plurality of coaxial lines 711 extend on the same plane from the bent portion of the flexible substrate 72. Furthermore, the flexible substrates 72 in one row and the flexible substrates 72 in the other row are bent in opposite directions. After the flexible substrate 72 is inserted into the FPC connector 6311, the coaxial wire 711 is positioned in the above-described space S, and a portion exposed from the covering tube 71A is spirally wound.
Here, for example, the FPC boards 6311 are attached to the FPC connectors 6311 along the column direction in order from the flexible board 72 having a short length of the exposed part of the coaxial line group connected to each flexible board 72 (see FIG. 9). In addition, if it can wind in a spiral shape, it is not necessary to mount | wear in order of the length of an exposed part.

In a state in which the flexible substrate 72 is inserted into the FPC connector 6311, coaxial lines 711 extending from the facing flexible substrate 72 extend so as to be convex in opposite directions (see FIG. 9). From this state, the coaxial line 711 extending in one direction is bent so as to overlap the coaxial line 711 extending in the other direction (see FIG. 10).

In a state in which the coaxial lines 711 are combined into one (see FIG. 10), the US cable 71 is circulated around the outer periphery of the ultrasonic substrate 631 or the ultrasonic substrate 631 is rotated. For example, the US cable 71 is circulated around a half and a half. The coaxial wire 711 is spirally wound by its rotation or rotation (see FIG. 8). At this time, the area of the coaxial line 711 located at the outermost position among the wound coaxial lines 711 is smaller than the opening of the shield case 636.

After winding the coaxial wire 711, the electrical connection member 634 is attached to the spacer 633. Thereafter, the extension end 71B of the covering tube 71A is fixed to the electrical connection member 634, and the coaxial cable 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is confined by covering the shield case 636. Furthermore, the shield case 636 is covered by the connector case. The ultrasonic connector 63 is assembled as described above. Then, the ultrasonic connector 63 is fixed by a screw or the like in a state where the ultrasonic substrate 631 side is inserted into the mounting hole 612A.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when connecting the flexible substrate 72 to the FPC connector 6311, the flexible substrate 72 is bent and located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631 and the covering tube The coaxial wire 711 exposed from 71A was spirally wound. According to the first embodiment, as compared with the conventional configuration, the connection substrate is erected on the FPC connector 6311 and the coaxial line extending from the connection substrate is irregularly arranged, as compared with the configuration in which the ultrasonic waves are generated. The area occupied by the flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 located on the substrate 631 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to miniaturize the ultrasonic connector 63 which is a connector portion connected to an external cable.

In the first embodiment described above, after the coaxial wire 711 is spirally wound, the ultrasonic substrate 631 and the coaxial wire 711 are covered by the shield case 636 to shield the coaxial wire 711 and the ultrasonic substrate 631. doing. As a result, when assembling the ultrasonic connector 63, the shield case 636 can be disposed without sandwiching the coaxial wire 711 with the ultrasonic substrate 631. According to the first embodiment, the decrease in yield at the time of manufacturing the ultrasonic connector 63 is suppressed, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in yield in the manufacture of the ultrasonic endoscope.

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, the same effect can be obtained when repairing the ultrasonic connector 63. That is, at the time of repair, it is possible to prevent the coaxial wire 711 from being pinched by the shield case 636 and the ultrasonic substrate 631 at the time of assembly after disassembling, and to suppress unnecessary replacement of the ultrasonic probe 7.

Further, according to the first embodiment described above, since the US cable 71 is pressed against the ultrasonic substrate 631 by the pressing member 635, in the ultrasonic connector 63, the US cable 71 and the coaxial line 711 are compactly accommodated. Can. Thereby, the configurations of the US cable 71 and the ultrasonic connector 63 can be further miniaturized.

In the first embodiment described above, the plurality of coaxial lines 711 are described as being bundled for each coaxial line group, but the coaxial lines may be spirally wound without bundling each other. Further, in the first embodiment, it has been described that each extends from the bent portion of the flexible substrate 72 on the same plane, but depending on the bending mode of the flexible substrate 72 attached to the FPC connector 6311 The coaxial lines 711 of the substrate 72 may extend in different directions and may not extend on the same plane.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector according to the second embodiment. The flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 are omitted in FIG. In the second embodiment, a cover member 637 is further provided to the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the ultrasonic connector according to the second embodiment includes an ultrasonic substrate 631, a frame member 632, a spacer 633, an electrical connection member 634, a pressing member 635, and a shield case 636. And a cover member 637. The ultrasonic connector shown in FIG. 11 further includes a cover member 637 in addition to the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. Therefore, only the cover member 637 and the portion related to the cover member 637 will be described below.

The cover member 637 is provided inside the shield case 636 described above. The cover member 637 is a transparent cup-shaped member that covers the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (the surface on the inner side of the exterior housing 61) and the coaxial line 711 located in the space S described above. The cover member 637 is light transmissive to transmit visible light. The cover member 637 is provided further inside than the spacer 633, and the FPC connector 6311 mounted on the ultrasonic substrate 631, the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311 (see FIG. 6), and a plurality extending from each flexible substrate 72 Covers a portion of the coaxial line 711 of The coaxial line 711 located in the space S (see FIG. 4) on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is confined by the cover member 637. In the cover member 637, a hole 637a, which is an opening through which the extending end 71B is inserted, is formed in part of the side surface. The cover member 637 is formed of, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate or the like, and is elastically deformable. The cover member 637 may have rigidity or may have a bag shape formed of vinyl resin or the like.

When assembling the ultrasonic connector, the coaxial wire 711 is wound as shown in FIG. 8 and the extension end 71B is fixed to the electrical connection member 634, and then the ultrasonic substrate 631 including the wound coaxial wire 711 is formed. The cover member 637 is put on the member of. At this time, since the cover member 637 is transparent, the inside of the cover member 637 can be confirmed, and it can be attached while confirming whether the coaxial line 711 is accommodated in the cover member 637. In the state where the cover member 637 is attached, the US cable 71 extends from the hole 637a. Thereafter, a shield case 636 is attached to cover the cover member 637. Furthermore, the shield case 636 is covered by the connector case. Thus, the ultrasonic connector is assembled. Then, the ultrasonic connector is fixed by a screw or the like in a state where the ultrasonic substrate 631 side is inserted into the mounting hole 612A.

In the second embodiment described above, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, after a part of the coaxial line 711 on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is confined by the transparent cover member 637, the ultrasound is transmitted by the shield case 636. The coaxial line 711 and the ultrasonic substrate 631 are shielded by covering the substrate 631, the coaxial line 711 and the cover member 637. According to the second embodiment, the effects of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the shield case 636 does not sandwich the coaxial line 711 with the ultrasonic substrate 631 when assembling the ultrasonic connector. The shield case 636 can be disposed. As a result, the decrease in yield at the time of manufacturing the ultrasonic connector is suppressed, and as a result, the decrease in yield at the manufacture of the ultrasonic endoscope can be suppressed. Further, in the second embodiment, similar to the above-described first embodiment, the same effect can be obtained when repairing the ultrasonic connector.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the ultrasonic connector according to the second embodiment. The flexible substrate 72 and the coaxial line 711 are omitted in FIG. 12 for the sake of explanation. In the third embodiment, a cover member 637A is further provided to the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. The other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

The ultrasonic connector according to the third embodiment is an electrical connector for electrically connecting the US cable 71 (see FIG. 6) and the ultrasonic cable 31 described above. The ultrasonic connector includes an ultrasonic substrate 631, a frame member 632, a spacer 633, an electrical connection member 634, a pressing member 635, a shield case 636, and a cover member 637A. In the third embodiment, only the cover member 637A differs from the configuration of the ultrasonic connector 63 described above. Therefore, only the cover member 637A and the portion related to the cover member 637A will be described below.

The cover member 637A is a transparent box-like member that covers the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the surface of the ultrasonic substrate 631 (the surface on the inner side of the external housing 61). The cover member 637A is provided on the top of the flexible substrate 72 connected to the FPC connector 6311, and covers a part of the plurality of coaxial lines 711 extending from each flexible substrate 72. A part of the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is in a state of being confined by the cover member 637A. Further, the cover member 637A is formed with a hole 637b which is an opening through which the extension end 71B is inserted, and a slit 637c through which the coaxial wire 711 extending from the flexible substrate 72 is inserted. The hole 637b is formed in one of the four side surfaces. The slit 637c is formed on the bottom, and one end of the slit 637c is connected to the hole 637b. The cover member 637A is formed of, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, vinyl resin or the like, and is elastically deformable. Note that the cover member 637A may have rigidity or may have a bag shape having an opening and a slit.

When assembling the ultrasonic connector, the coaxial wire 711 is wound as shown in FIG. 8, the extended end 71B is fixed to the electrical connection member 634, and then the cover member 637A is attached to the wound coaxial wire 711. A part of the coaxial line 711 located in the space S on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is accommodated in the cover member 637A. The cover member 637A is attached by sliding from the side opposite to the extending end 71B side. The cover member 637A accommodates part of the coaxial line 711 while passing the coaxial line 711 through the slit 637c. At this time, since the cover member 637A is transparent, the inside of the cover member 637A can be confirmed, and it can be attached while confirming whether the coaxial line 711 is accommodated in the cover member 637A. In the state where the cover member 637A is attached, the coaxial line 711 passes through the hole 637b and the slit 637c. The coaxial wire 711 passes through the hole 637b while being covered by the extension end 71B of the covering tube 71A.

Thereafter, shield case 636 is attached to cover cover member 637A. Furthermore, the shield case 636 is covered by the connector case. Thus, the ultrasonic connector is assembled. Then, the ultrasonic connector is fixed by a screw or the like in a state where the ultrasonic substrate 631 side is inserted into the mounting hole 612A.

In the third embodiment described above, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment described above, after a part of the coaxial line 711 on the ultrasonic substrate 631 is accommodated by the transparent cover member 637A, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted by the shield case 636. The substrate 631, the coaxial line 711, and the cover member 637 A are covered to shield the coaxial line 711 and the ultrasonic substrate 631. According to the third embodiment, the effects of the first embodiment described above can be obtained, and the shield case 636 does not sandwich the coaxial wire 711 with the ultrasonic substrate 631 when assembling the ultrasonic connector. The shield case 636 can be disposed. Thereby, the fall of the yield at the time of manufacture of an ultrasonic connector is controlled, and, as a result, the fall of the yield in manufacture of an ultrasonic endoscope can be controlled. Further, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, the same effect can be obtained when repairing the ultrasonic connector.

In the first to third embodiments described above, a radial type ultrasonic transducer has been described as an example of the vibrating portion 211, but a convex type ultrasonic transducer or a linear type ultrasonic transducer may be used. . The number of coaxial lines in the convex ultrasonic transducer is approximately half that of the radial ultrasonic transducer. In addition, the endoscope 2 may be one that mechanically scans the ultrasonic transducers, or a plurality of elements are provided in an array as the ultrasonic transducers, and the elements involved in transmission and reception are electronically switched. It may be made to scan electronically by delaying transmission and reception of each element.

Embodiment 4
Next, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a part of a tip of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is disassembled. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the tip configuration of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from an angle different from the perspective view shown in FIG. The endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the endoscope system 1 described above. Hereinafter, only the detailed configuration of the endoscope 2 in the fourth embodiment will be described.

The rigid member 212 is provided with a slope 212a on the proximal end side of the balloon locking groove 215, in which an observation window, an illumination window, and the like are disposed.

Inside the rigid member 212, a metal tube (attachment member) at the end of the light guide is provided with a flange, and a tube end covering the glass fiber of the light guide is disposed to abut the flange. In addition to the tube covering the coaxial line connected to the ultrasonic transducer, tubes such as a forceps channel are similarly fixed to abut on the flange of the mounting member. Furthermore, a tube for protecting a coated tube such as a US cable, an imaging cable, and a ride guide is also positioned in abutment with the flange portion of the mounting member. Moreover, each pipe line has a structure in which a tube and a pipe are fitted, and the outer periphery of the fitting portion is covered with an adhesive. A heat shrinkable tube is disposed to cover the adhesive from the outside.

The vibrating portion 211 and the hard member 212 are fixed by using a screw. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, by inserting the screw 200 without the head into the opening 212 b formed in the rigid member 212 and applying the screw 200 to the vibration unit 211, the vibration unit 211 is obtained. It is fixed to the rigid member 212. The screw 200 is also used, for example, to fix the light guide. Further, the screw 200 is covered by the cap 201 on the side opposite to the side where the screw 200 abuts on the vibrating portion 211. The cap 201 is formed of metal or resin having water resistance.

The rigid member 212 is formed with a balloon suction line for sucking liquid in a balloon attached to the balloon locking groove 215. The balloon suction line is bent at the distal end side outward with respect to the longitudinal direction. The opening 212 c of the balloon suction channel is provided more distal than the balloon locking groove 215. The opening 212 c is formed at a position where the balloon cleaning brush projected from the opening 212 c can be projected without interfering with the outer surface of the rigid member 212 or the vibrating portion 211 when the balloon suction channel is cleaned by the balloon cleaning brush. .

FIG. 15 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the tip of the ultrasonic endoscope of the endoscope system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the vibrating portion 211 is drawn out from the rigid member 212. A horseshoe-shaped metal member 216 is provided between the vibrating portion 211 and the hard member 212 in order to prevent rattling. In the metal member 216, a convex portion 216a fitted in the concave portion 212d formed in the hard member 212, and a V-shaped groove 216b in which a screw for fixing the vibrating portion 211 and the hard member 212 abuts Is formed. By fitting the convex portion 216 a into the concave portion 212 d, rotation of the vibrating portion 211 with respect to the hard member 212 is suppressed. The rigid member 212 is provided with a ring-shaped extension 212 e extending from the surface on which the opening 212 c is formed. The extension portion 212e extends from the end portion on the inner peripheral side of the formation surface of the opening 212c. The recess 212 d is formed by cutting out a part of the extension 212 e. In addition, when the rigid member 212 is viewed along the longitudinal direction from the vibrating portion 211 side, the concave portion 212d is formed at a position offset in the circumferential direction from the other openings such as the opening 212c.

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an ultrasonic transducer provided at the tip of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a line BB in FIG. Inside the vibrating portion 211, a plurality of substrates 211b to which the coaxial line 711 is connected are provided. These substrates 211b are larger as they are disposed at the center of the vibrating portion 211, and the number of coaxial lines 711 connected is also larger. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 17, twelve, eleven, ten, nine, and four coaxial lines 711 are connected in order from the two substrates 211 b from the center.

Further, two O-rings 217 are provided around the substrate 211 b and the coaxial line 711. The O-ring 217 adjusts the core of the bundle of coaxial lines 711 while fixing the plurality of coaxial lines 711.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of an insertion portion of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The metal coil 214a helically traveling inside the flexible tube portion 214 of the insertion portion 21 and the base 214b of the insertion portion 21 are electrically connected via the metal member 214c having a spring property.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an imaging optical system of an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The imaging optical system includes a first holding member 218 for holding the optical system including the objective lens 218a, it is formed by connecting the second holding member 219 for holding the imaging element I _MS, a cover glass C _1. The objective lens 218a is fitted in the observation window described above. The imaging device I _MS will be described here as a CCD.

A gap (clearance SP) is provided at the connection point between the first holding member 218 and the second holding member 219 in order to enable shift adjustment in the vertical and horizontal directions as well as distance between the lenses at the time of focus adjustment. .

Cover glass C ₁ on the light receiving surface of the imaging element I _MS is bonded. Due to the structure of the CCD, the arrangement of the imaging device I _MS may be biased with respect to the light receiving surface. For this reason, the members covering the periphery of the imaging element I _MS are arranged offset with respect to the center of the optical axis so that the thicknesses of the adhesive layers B ₁ and B ₂ around the light receiving surface become uniform.

The second holding member 219 is provided with a mask 219a that shields light outside the imaging range. The mask 219 a has a size corresponding to the inner diameter of the second holding member 219. As a result, the alignment operation of the mask 219a and the lens becomes unnecessary.

In order to adjust the focus, the first holding member 218 and the second holding member 219 are separated in the middle of the assembly. After the focus adjustment, the heat-shrinkable tube 220 is put on the first holding member 218 and the second holding member 219 connected. Under the present circumstances, as for the heat contraction tube 220, the inner diameter before heat contraction is smaller than the outer diameter of the 1st holding member 218 so that the heat contraction tube 220 may be covered from the near side (the 1st holding member 218 side) after focus adjustment. large.

In addition, the shield has a double structure in order to improve the shielding property of the imaging cable _CIM that covers the coaxial line connected to the imaging element I _MS .

FIG. 20 is a view showing an ultrasonic probe in an ultrasonic endoscope of an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the ultrasonic probe 7 according to the fourth embodiment, the core yarn 73 is inserted through the US cable 71. The core yarn 73 is made of a plurality of fibers, one end of which is fixed in the vicinity of the vibrating portion 211, and the other end extends from the extending end 71B. Two knots 731 and 732 are formed in the end of the core yarn 73 on the side extending from the extending end 71B. The core yarn 73 is provided with a slit 73a formed by dividing the fiber between the two knots 731, 732 into two.

When assembling the endoscope 2, the ultrasonic probe 7 is inserted from the distal end side of the insertion portion 21. At this time, the flexible substrates 72 are inserted into the insertion portion 21 in a state of being bundled by thin heat-shrinkable tubes for each of the substrate sets 721 to 726. Further, a cable for pulling the ultrasonic probe 7 into the insertion portion 21 is hooked in the slit 73 a of the core yarn 73, and the cable is pulled out from the opposite side of the insertion portion 21. Thereby, the ultrasonic probe 7 can be easily drawn into the inside of the insertion portion 21.

Thus, the present invention can include various embodiments without departing from the technical concept described in the claims.

As described above, the ultrasonic endoscope according to the present invention is useful for miniaturizing an ultrasonic connector connected to an external cable.

Reference Signs List 1 endoscope system 2 endoscope 3 ultrasonic observation device 4 endoscope observation device 5 display device 6 connector for endoscope 7 ultrasonic probe 21 insertion portion 22 operation portion 23 universal cord 61 exterior housing 62 plug portion 63 Ultrasonic connector 71 US cable 71A Covered tube 71B Extension end 71C Ground connection part 72 Flexible board 631 Ultrasonic board 632 Frame member 633 Spacer 634 Electrical connection member 635 Holding member 636 Shield case 637, 637A Cover member 711 Coaxial wire 712 Binding member 6311 FPC connector

Claims (9)

It is an ultrasonic endoscope which has an ultrasonic transducer at the tip, and the tip is inserted into a subject,
A plurality of coaxial lines connected at one end to the ultrasonic transducer;
A plurality of connection boards respectively connected to the other ends of the plurality of coaxial lines;
An outer shell that bundles the plurality of coaxial wires;
An ultrasonic substrate electrically connected to an external connector, the ultrasonic substrate having a plurality of connector portions for detachably receiving a part of the connection substrate;
Equipped with
The connection board is bent at a portion extending from the connector portion.
The plurality of coaxial lines are divided into a plurality of coaxial line groups consisting of coaxial lines connected to the same connector portion,
In the plurality of coaxial line groups, the end portion of each coaxial line on the connection substrate side is exposed with a length corresponding to the position of the connector portion to be connected, and the exposed portion is a region formed by the outer edge of the ultrasonic substrate An ultrasonic endoscope characterized in that it is spirally wound so as to fit inside. The plurality of connector portions form two rows facing each other,
The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the coaxial line groups connected to the opposing connector portions have the same length in exposed portions. The plurality of connection boards are mounted on the connector portion along the column direction in order from the connection board having a shorter length of the exposed portion of the coaxial line group connected to each connection board. Ultrasound endoscope. An electrical connection member for supporting a ground connection provided on the outer skin and electrically connecting to an external ground,
The ultrasound endoscope according to claim 2, further comprising: A pressing member for pressing the outer cover against the electrical connection member;
The ultrasound endoscope according to claim 4, further comprising: A cover member which is light transmissive and covers at least a portion of a coaxial line located in a space above the ultrasonic substrate;
The ultrasound endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: A conductive shield case covering the cover member;
The ultrasound endoscope according to claim 6, further comprising: The ultrasonic endoscope according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of coaxial lines extends on the same plane from a bent portion of the connection substrate. A constraining member for constraining the coaxial lines in each coaxial line group;
The ultrasound endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising:

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